Controlling the Spill:

1. Evacuate the Area: Immediately evacuate all unnecessary personnel from the immediate area of the spill. Ensure that only those directly involved in the cleanup remain.
2. Assess the Spill: Assess the size and nature of the spill. Identify the hazardous substance and consult the Safety Data Sheet (SDS) for appropriate cleanup procedures.
3. Contain the Spill: Use absorbent materials (e.g., spill pads, absorbent powder) to contain the spill and prevent it from spreading. Create a barrier around the spill area.
4. Clean Up the Spill: Carefully clean up the spill using appropriate methods and materials as outlined in the SDS. Dispose of contaminated materials properly according to school policy and regulations.

Protecting Individuals:

• PPE: Ensure that all personnel involved in the cleanup are wearing appropriate PPE, including respiratory protection if necessary (as indicated in the SDS).
• Ventilation: Ensure adequate ventilation in the area to prevent the build-up of hazardous fumes.
• First Aid: Ensure that first aid is readily available in case of exposure to the hazardous substance.
• Isolation: Isolate the spill area to prevent unauthorized access.

Reporting the Incident:

• Immediate Notification: Immediately notify the workshop supervisor, teacher, and relevant school authorities about the spill.
• Accident/Incident Report: Complete a detailed accident/incident report, including information about the cause of the spill, the actions taken to control it, and any injuries or exposures.
• Regulatory Reporting: Depending on the nature of the hazardous substance and the severity of the incident, regulatory authorities (e.g., HSE) may need to be notified. The school's health and safety policy should outline reporting requirements.

Pre-Planned Emergency Response Procedure:

A pre-planned emergency response procedure is crucial for ensuring a swift and effective response to hazardous substance spills. It should include clear roles and responsibilities, evacuation routes, spill containment procedures, and contact information for emergency services.

Hazards and Control Measures (Bandsaw):

• Hazard: Flying Wood Chips/Particles. Control Measure: Wear safety glasses/face shield to protect eyes. Ensure a suitable dust extraction system is in place.
• Hazard: Contact with Moving Blade. Control Measure: Maintain a safe distance from the blade. Use appropriate push sticks to guide the material, keeping hands clear of the blade's path. Ensure the blade guard is in place and functioning correctly.
• Hazard: Noise Exposure. Control Measure: Wear hearing protection (earplugs or earmuffs). Consider using quieter bandsaw blades.
• Hazard: Material Kickback. Control Measure: Secure the workpiece firmly using clamps. Use appropriate blade for the material being cut. Avoid forcing the material through the blade.
• Hazard: Dust Inhalation (Chemical Hazard - if wood is treated). Control Measure: Use a dust extraction system. Wear a respirator if dust levels are high or if the wood is treated with chemicals. Ensure good ventilation in the workspace.

Implementing robust safe working practices is paramount when introducing a new CAD/CAM workstation. A multi-faceted approach is required, encompassing PPE, machine guarding, material handling, and emergency procedures.

Personal Protective Equipment (PPE): Students must be required to wear appropriate PPE at all times. This includes:

• Safety Goggles: Essential for protecting eyes from flying debris during machining, sanding, or laser cutting.
• Face Shields: Recommended when there is a higher risk of splashes or projectiles, particularly during grinding or welding (if applicable).
• Gloves: Appropriate gloves (e.g., leather gloves for handling hot materials, cut-resistant gloves for machining) should be worn to protect hands.
• Aprons/Lab Coats: Protecting clothing from spills, heat, and debris. Flame-retardant materials are advisable for laser cutting areas.
• Hearing Protection: Required when operating noisy machinery like the 3D printer or router.

Machine Guarding: All machinery must have its safety guards in place and functioning correctly. Students should be explicitly instructed not to bypass or remove guards. Regular checks should be conducted to ensure guards are undamaged and properly secured.

Material Handling: Safe manual handling techniques must be taught and enforced. This includes:

• Using appropriate lifting techniques: Keeping the back straight, bending the knees, and avoiding twisting.
• Using lifting aids: Employing trolleys or hoists for heavy materials.
• Understanding material properties: Knowing the weight and fragility of materials to handle them safely.

Emergency Procedures: Clear emergency procedures must be established and communicated to all users. This includes:

• Fire extinguisher location and use: Students should be trained in the location and operation of fire extinguishers.
• First aid kit location and use: Students should know where the first aid kit is located and how to access it.
• Emergency contact numbers: Clearly displayed emergency contact numbers should be readily available.
• Evacuation routes: Clearly marked evacuation routes should be visible.

Training: Comprehensive training is essential before students are allowed to use any of the equipment. This training should cover the specific hazards associated with each machine and the appropriate safe working practices.